CITY
COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON
STREET

With a quorum present, Mayor Elizabeth
G.Flores
called the meeting to order.

II.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor
Flores led in the Pledge of allegiance.

III.ROLL CALL

In attendance:

Elizabeth G.Flores,Mayor

Alfredo Agredano,Council
Member, District I

Hector Garcia,Council
Member, District II

John C.Galo,Mayor
Pro Tempore, District III

Johnny Amaya,Council Member, District IV

Eliseo Valdez, Jr.,Council
Member, District V

Gene Belmares,Council
Member, District VI

Jose A.Valdez,
Jr.,Council
Member, District VII

Juan Ramirez,Council
Member, District VIII

Gustavo Guevara, Jr.,City
Secretary

Larry Dovalina, City
Manager

Cynthia Collazo,Assistant
City Manager

Jaime
Flores, City
Attorney

Cm.Alfredo Agredano joined the meeting at 5:58 p.m.

IV. MINUTES

Approval of minutes of March 3, 2003, March 24, 2003 and April 7, 2003.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Cm. Belmares

Second:Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

V.COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

Announcements

None.

Invitations

None.

Recognitions

a. Recognition of
Maria Teresa "Terry" Gonzalez, of the Parks and Recreation

Department, for being selected May Employee of the
Month.

Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation Director, described the accomplishments
and mentioned that Terry Gonzalez has worked for the City of Laredo
for over twenty years.

Maria Teresa Gonzalez thanked Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation
Director, Mayor, Council Members, and Co-workers for the opportunity to be
employee of the month.

Communiqués

Cm.Garcia thanked the City Manager and other City
departments for keeping the Council Members and the public abreast of all
situations during a storm that pounded the City on June 2, 2003.He
specifically applauded the Police Department, Fire Department, United Water,
Traffic Department and the Utilities Department.

Mayor
Pro Tempore Galo echoed Cm.Garcia’s by
thanking City staff for doing such an outstanding job for District III during
the June
2, 2003 storm.He commented that his constituents have been
calling him expressing how thankful they are to City staff for helping them
clean up the storm debris.He also said
he had the pleasure of representing the City of Laredo at the American Cancer’s ‘Relay for Life’.He thanked the employees for their fund
raising efforts for non-profit organizations.Finally, he submitted an article from the McAllen Monitor called “Booking the Big Ones…What does Laredo have andMcAllen doesn’t.” to be on file at the City Secretary’s Office.

Cm.Amaya also thanked
City staff for an excellent job responding to the June 2, 2003 storm.He
specifically congratulated the City Manager.

Cm.E.Valdez reiterated the other Council Members by
congratulating and thanking City employees for their efforts in cleaning up
after the June 2nd storm.He
especially thanked Beto Ramirez and United Water for assisting constituents in
his area.

Cm.Belmares also took
the time to thank the City employees for their hard work during the June 2, 2003 storm.He
recognized the Bridge Department for their fund raising efforts held at H. E.
B.He said the Bridge Department raises
monies throughout the year so they can help the children at the orphanage have
a brighter Christmas.

Cm.J.Valdez concurred with the other Council Members about the excellent job
that the City employees did during the June 2, 2003 storm.He
noted how much he appreciated their efforts.

Cm.Juan Ramirez thanked City staff for their
hard work during the June 2, 2003 storm.He
also thanked Olga Maldonado, from AEP, for working hard to restore electricity
to all the homes.He invited the public
to attend the 4th of July celebration which will be held at
Veteran’s Field Stadium where he will distribute free apple pie and
ice-cream.

Mayor
Flores acknowledged the hard work of City employees during the storm.She went on to thank Eddie Zavala, Customer Service Coordinator, and the City
Manager/Mayor’s Office for receiving all the telephone calls with complaints/concerns
about the June 2, 2003 storm.She
also mentioned a news advisory where the City had received recognition for
their “Blue Bag Curb Service”.An
application for the award was completed by Cynthia Collazo, Oscar Medina, Blasita Lopez, and Xochitl Mora.

VI.APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES

a.Appointment
by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores of Clema Owens to
the Third Party Funding Committee.

Motion
to approve the appointment of Clema
Owens to the Third Party
Funding Committee.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

b.Appointment
by Council Member Hector J. Garcia of Francisco Gonzalez to the Vehicles for
Hire Ad Hoc Committee.

Motion
to postpone the appointment.

Motion to postpone

Moved:Cm. Agredano

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

VII.PUBLIC
HEARINGS

1.Public
hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003 annual budget by reducing revenues and
expenditures from $2,000.00 to $1,000.00 for a grant from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio for the South Texas/Border Region Health
Professional Education Initiative.State
funding for academic programs correlate to this reduction.

Motion to open the public
hearing.

Moved:Mayor
Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain: 0

There
was no public input.

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

Moved:Cm. Garcia

Second:Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

For: 8Against:0Abstain:
0

Ordinance
Introduction:City Council

2.Public
hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003 Airport Budget to recognize additional revenues from grant
agreement CSJ Number M322LREDO from Texas Department of Transportation under
the Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP) in the amount of
$30,000.00 for the purpose of airport airfield maintenance at the LaredoInternationalAirport.The local
match for this project in the amount of $30,000.00 is available in the Airport Construction Fund (433) under the Land Sale
Proceeds Division; providing for an effective date.

Motion to open the public
hearing.

Moved:Mayor
Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

There
was no public input.

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Amaya

For: 8Against: 0 Abstain:0

Ordinance
Introduction:City Council

3.Public
hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003 annual budget by increasing
expenditures and revenues in the amount of $43,833.00 from the Texas Department
of Health and $30,000.00 in program income for the Immunization Action Program
of the City of Laredo Health Department and extending the grant period from
September 1, 2002, through August 31, 2003 to September 1, 2002, through
December 31, 2003.

Motion to open the public hearing.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:
0

There
was no public input.

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

Moved:Cm. Belmares

Second:Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For: 8Against:0Abstain:
0

Ordinance
Introduction:City Council

4.Public
hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003 annual budget by increasing revenues
and expenditures in the amount of $363,668.00 from the South Texas Development
Council and $2,000.00 in program income for the HIV/AIDS Ryan White Title II
Services Program of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period of
April 1, 2003 through March 31, 2004.

Motion to open the public
hearing.

Moved:Mayor
Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

There
was no public input.

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

Moved:Cm. Belmares

Second:Cm. Amaya

For: 8Against:0Abstain:
0

Ordinance
Introduction:City Council

5.Public
hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 0.424
acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A,”
located at 413 Shiloh Drive from R-2 (Multi-family Residential District) to B-3
(Community Business District); providing for publication and effective
date.The Planning and Zoning Commission
has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

Motion to open the public
hearing.

Moved:Mayor
Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

There
was no public input.

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

Moved:Cm. Belmares

Second:Cm. Ramirez

For: 8Against:0Abstain:0

Ordinance
Introduction:Cm. Belmares

6.Public
hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 9,
Block 351, Eastern Division, located at 114 Lyon Street from B-1 (Limited
Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for
publication and effective date.The
Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denial of the proposed zone
change.

7.Public
hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 5.02
acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A,”
located east of Highway 83 and northeast of the American Towers Plat No. 2,
from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing
District); providing for publication and effective date.The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended denial of the proposed zone change.

Motion to open the public
hearing.

Moved:Mayor
Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

Manuel Escamilla asked to table this item.

Motion to close the public
hearing and table.

Moved:Cm. Agredano

Second:Cm. Ramirez

For: 8Against:0Abstain:0

8.Public
hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 5.27
acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A,”
located south of Loop 20 and east of Monarch Dr., from AG (Agricultural
District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District); providing for
publication and effective date.The
Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone
change.

Motion to open the public
hearing.

Moved:Mayor
Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

There
was no public input.

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

Moved:Cm. Belmares

Second:Cm. Agredano

For: 8Against: 0 Abstain:0

Ordinance
Introduction:Cm. Belmares

9.Public
hearing and introductory ordinance
amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 7 and
8, Block 8, Country Club Commercial Subdivision, Unit I, located at 3608 E.
Saunders Street, from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway
Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date.The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended denial of the proposed zone change.

Motion to open the public
hearing.

Moved:Mayor
Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

Andreo S.Rodriguez
spoke against the zone change request.

Mary Lopez and Tomas Lopez spoke against the zone
change request.

Jesus Martinez, resident of the Country Club
Subdivision, spoke against the zone change request.

Ron Whitehawk confirmed
that the owner did want to withdraw the zone change request.

Motion to close the public hearing and deny the zone change.

Moved:Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

Second:Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For: 8Against: 0 Abstain:0

10.Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance
Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 1072, Eastern
Division, located at 2801 Garfield Street, from R-3 (Mixed Residential
District) and B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business
District); providing for publication and effective date.The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended denial of the proposed zone change.

Motion to open the public
hearing.

Moved:Mayor
Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Agredano

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

Ron Whitehawk, spoke on
behalf of Felipe Murillo, who has a tire repair business.He asked for expansion of this commercial
business.

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce as a B-3.

Moved:Cm. Garcia

Second:Cm. Agredano

For: 8Against:0Abstain:0

Ordinance
Introduction:Cm. Garcia

11.Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance
Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Block 2, Rancho Viejo Subdivision, Unit
1, located west of Mines Road and south of Rancho Viejo Drive, from B-1
(Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing
for publication and effective date.The
Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed zone
change.

Motion to open the public
hearing.

Moved:Mayor
Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

Moved:Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

Second:Cm. Agredano

For: 8Against:0Abstain:0

Ordinance
Introduction:Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

12.Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance
Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 59.62 acres, as further described by
metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A,” located southeast of the intersection
of Del Mar Boulevard and McPherson Road, from R-1 (Single Family Residential
District) and B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business
District); providing for publication and effective date.The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

Motion to open the public
hearing.

Moved:Mayor
Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Agredano

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

There
was no public input.

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

Moved:Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

Second:Cm. Ramirez

For: 8Against:0Abstain: 0

Ordinance
Introduction:Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

13.Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance
Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 22.97 acres, as further described by
metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A,” located south of Loop 20 and east of
Monarch Drive, from AG (Agricultural District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential
District); providing for publication and effective date.The Planning and Zoning Commission has
recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

Cm.Agredano stated that the agenda should read Mario Tijerina,
George Washington and El Eden.

Horacio
De Leon, Parks and Recreation Director, gave the following report:

Status
report for the MarioTijerinaPark:

Phase
I of the project is 95% complete:Softball field, soccer field, skate pad and irrigation system and
landscaping.

Phase
II of the project is the purchase of skate ramps, playground modules,
construction of a walking trail, parking lot, additional improvements to
softball field (lateral fencing from existing backstop, dugouts) and perimeter
post and cable to the park. Skate ramps
were delivered on Friday.A change order
to contractor for Phase I is being drafted to include concrete work for walking
trail, parking improvements and post cable.

Project
is 85% complete.Pending is completion
of landscaping, sidewalk ramps to meet ADA and
other minor improvements.

El EdenRecreationCenter and
Park Improvements – Acceptance of Warranty Deed is scheduled for next City
Council Meeting.A contract with
Architect Plus is currently being evaluated by the engineering department and
will be considered for approval at the next council meeting.A conceptual layout has been presented to
staff for input and amenities to the recreation center and park are being
evaluated.

2.Status report on the vacant property located two blocks
south of CigarroaHigh
School for a possible park.

Erasmo
Villarreal, Community Development Director, said that
several individuals are working with family members to convey the
property.The delay is finding clear titles to the
properties.

3.Status report regarding land acquisition for a future City
cemetery.

Horacio
De Leon, Park and Recreation Director, reported that this item will be
discussed during the 2003-2004 Budget Workshop.Staff is reviewing several sites; noting, the
current cemetery has space for two or three more years.

4.Discussion with possible action on the connection of South
Merida and North
Merida.

Keith
Selman, City Planner, reported that the connection of South
Merida and North
Merida has been considered
for some time.The City Council included
the project into the Capital Improvement Project and funded it to participate
in the drainage.It was to include some
of the culverts along the tributary that will basically bisect the
roadway.This roadway runs north and
south and the tributary runs east and west.The cost was $300,000.The monies
are still there to pay for those drainage improvements.It was hoped that the Community Development
would then participate in the funding of that road with our participation.It would be able to stimulate the
construction of that roadway.As it
turns out it did not.Since that time,
the City has since acquired the entire tract including a large portion adjacent
to it for park purposes.It is a project
that has not hit the Capital Improvement Plan as a street project because it has
never been included.Staff would
recommend that it be placed in the Capital Improvement Plan for 2003-2004 as a street
project.

Motion to include this item into the Capital Improvement Plan
as a street project for this year.

Moved:Cm. Agredano

Second:Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

B.Request by Mayor Pro Tempore John C. Galo

1.Update on the new at-grade crossing on Bartlett between Market and Cortez, with possible action.

Keith Selman, City Planner, said that staff has not
received any information since a memo was sent to TxDOT
about the at-grade crossing on Bartlett between Market and Cortez. City staff is still pending the agreement.

Cm.Galo acknowledged
that TexMex Railroads has placed the planking at the
grade crossing on Bartlett between Market and Cortez.

2.Staff report on the Chacon Creek clean-up project
and hike and bike trail, with possible action.

Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation Director, reported
that 50% of the hike and bike trail has been completed.This includes 3,500 linear feet 8’ wide.The trail initiates at the mouth of the river
and extends along the Chacon Creek connecting existing parks like Benavides
Softball and Dryden Optimist Little League Park.Three crossings are part of this Phase I
trail and are located at Meadow Street crossing, north east of BenavidesSoftballPark and west of DrydenPark.Coordination
of Public Works for scheduling work is currently taking place.A grant proposal to Parks and Wildlife has
been submitted for the construction of Phase II of this trail.The proposal includes the construction of the
trail from DrydenPark to Hwy 359 and estimated 5,500 linear feet.Project cost is estimated at $90,380.

3.Status report on filling the
vacancy of the tennis pro position at the Market tennis courts, with possible
action.

Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation Director, noted
that a request for proposals were issued and advertised on March 30th
and April 6th of this year.This same Request for Proposals were published in the USTA
newsletter.One proposal was received.
An interview with the applicant was conducted with staff and the president of
the Tennis Association.The proposal was
over our existing budget so meetings were held with the City Manager to
evaluate available funding.An offer was
mailed on June 9th and we are awaiting a response.We called to confirm receipt of the offer and
there was a positive communication with intent to accept the offer.We will await written confirmation and will
have an item on the next City Council Agenda for approval of contract.

4.Discussion on the implementation
of City Ordinances on businesses that require State and Federal permits, with
possible action.

Keith Selman, City Planner, informed Council that
businesses are not exempt because they have licensing provisions at the state
level.

C.Request by Council
Member Gene Belmares

1. Discussion with possible action on the creation of
a Para-transitAdvisory Committee appointed by the Mayor and City Council.(Co-sponsored by Council Member Eliseo
Valdez)

Tom Lucek, General Manager
of El Metro, discussed the creation of a Para-Transit Advisory Committee.He gave several suggestions for the new
committee including a committee that would be allowed to select their own
chairman.He also suggested appointing a
staff person who would record any and all meetings.Finally, he suggested having a management
person from the transit team to advise the committee on budgets, policy and
complaints.

1. Discussion with possible action to consider the
construction of Phase I to include land clearing and preparation for an elderly
community center to be located adjacent to the Farias
Recreation Center on City property.

Cm.J.Valdez expressed a desire to build a new facility for an elderly
community center to be located adjacent to the FariasRecreationCenter.He has talked to Mrs.Farias, an employee of the Community Action Agency, in reference to
transportation service.He also
has been in touch with WebbCounty
to see if both entities can work together to provide funding for this
project.In the meantime, he wants to
start the process of hiring architects to get the project started.He asked staff to evaluate the area and come
up with a cost for new dirt.He
expressed a desire to use his discretionary funds to begin the process.

Erasmo Villarreal,
Community Development Director, said that staff can expedite the project once
the funding has been identified.

Motion to
instruct staff to locate any additional monies through the CDBG funds to set
this project in motion.Staff
should look into hiring the architects.

Moved:Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

Second:Cm. Ramirez

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

2. Discussion with possible action to request that
City crews construct a concrete stairway from the upper level to the lower level
at FatherMcNaboePark.

Horacio De Leon, Parks and Recreation
Director, said a design for the stairway was completed back in October 2001 by
the Engineering Department.This design
included the ramp in the north side of the park needed to meet ADA
standards.The Parks and Recreation
Department prioritized the construction of the ramp as a result of a pending
lawsuit at the time.Using this design
our department estimates that the cost of materials and incidentals is
$7,000.00.

Motion to use discretionary
funds to construct aconcrete stairway from the upper level to the lower level at FatherMcNaboePark.

Moved:Cm.Valdez

Second:Cm.Ramirez

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

E.Request by Council
Member Juan Ramirez

1. Discussion with possible action on installing a
stop sign at the intersection of Zaragoza and
Santa Cleotilde.

Roberto Murillo,
Traffic Director, said that staff will do a traffic study for the intersection
of Zaragoza and
Santa Cleotilde.He will return to Council with recommendations.

2. Discussion with possible action regarding
authorization to include a two-hour parking fee exemption on value cards for
downtown shoppers.

Viviana Frank,
member of the Streets of Laredo Urban Mall, said back in 1996 a few people from
downtown/property owners got together to create ways to expand downtown to
include retail rather than a wholesale base.She discussed a discount card that will be sold to sponsors as a
marketing tool to promote more usage of the downtown area.

Rafael Torres, a member of
the Board of the Streets of Laredo Inc., said the card will create consumer
traffic in the downtown businesses.He asked
City Council to consider authorizing a two-hour parking fee exemption on the
value cards for downtown shoppers.The
Board feels that the request will be a real incentive for people to purchase
the card and to shop downtown.

Joe Garcia spoke in favor
of authorizing two hour parking on the value card.He went on to say that the Convention and
Visitor’s Bureau has agreed to purchase 1000 cards to distribute to airlines
from Mexico.

Larry Dovalina,
City Manager, said the current ordinance establishes rights for parking fees to
be given at a promotional rate subject to consultation from the General Manager
of the El Metro.He was concerned about
the far reaching impact and expressed a desire to analyze the decision to allow
two-hour parking for each card.He
mentioned placing a limit on each card.

3. Reconsider Clark Boulevard bus route, with possible action.

Tom Lucek, El Metro Manager, reported
that bus routes must be changed through holding public hearings.

Joe Guerra, employee of El
Metro, explained why the bus route was changed.The change was to better utilize the resources.He noted that the route can be changed back
to the original route at a public hearing held in October of 2003.

Motion
to start the process to change the bus route back to Gustavus Street.

R. J. Garza, with El Metro,
reported on several changes that will help the system enhance efficiencies,
scheduling, and prepare our schedulers for addressing calls timelier.Our staff will be monitoring the system and
will return with recommendations to better serve the public.

IX.INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

15. Closing as
a public easement the section of Dorel Drive between
Cheyenne Drive and the West boundary line of Doral Drive as shown on the
amended plat of Cheyenne Subdivision, Phase I, recorded on Volume 18, Pages 6
& 7, Webb County plat records, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas; which
section is also depicted as a 0.274 acre tract as described in Exhibit “A,”
save and except that within such 0.274 acre tract there continues to exist (1)
A 0.073 acre gas line easement which is described in Exhibit “B” and a 849
square foot easement in favor of Centerpoint Energy
(Entex) which is described in Exhibit “C”.

2003-O-137 Amending Section 2-3(D), of Article I
of Chapter 2, Administration, of the Code of Ordinances, in order to conform
the schedule of charges for copies of public information with that specified by
the Public Information Act, Texas Government Code, Subchapter F.

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-137.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

2003-O-138 Amending the City of Laredo FY
2002-2003 annual budget by decreasing revenues and expenditures, as per the
Texas Department of Health, in the amount of $2,679.00 in the Tuberculosis
Elimination Program budget of the City of Laredo Health Department for the
period beginning September 1, 2002
through August 31, 2003.

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-138.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

2003-O-139 Amending
the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003 annual budget by increasing expenditures and
Program Income/Revenues in the amount of $5,500.00 for the Tuberculosis
Elimination Program budget of the City of Laredo Health Department for the
period beginning September 1, 2002
through August 31, 2003. (As amended)

Motion to adopt Ordinance #
2003-O-139.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

2003-O-140 Amending the City of Laredo FY
2002-2003 annual budget by increasing revenues and expenditures in the amount
of $111,757.00 for the Los Dos LaredosBinational Neural Tube Defects (NTD) Pilot Project of the
City of Laredo Health Department and extending the program period from April 1,
2002 through March 31, 2003 to April 1, 2002 through September 30, 2003.

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-140.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

2003-O-141 Authorizing the City Manager to execute an
amendment to the lease agreement approved by Ordinance No. 98-O-053 dated
February 17, 1998, between the City of Laredo, as Lessor,
and UETA of Texas, Inc., a subsidiary of Duty Free Americas, Inc., as Lessee,
to amend the lease area at the Laredo International Airport
Passenger Terminal and rental obligation, extend the term of the agreement by
30 months, consolidate duty free and news/gift shop merchandise, provide for
additional modifications and improvements to the new leased are and amend hours
of operation, providing for effective date.(As amended)

Motion to adopt #
2003-O-141.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

2003-O-142 Authorizing
the City Manager to execute a lease agreement with South Texas Development
Council for approximately 240 square feet constituting Suite No. 7 of Building
S-1 located at 1718 E. Calton
Road at the LaredoInternationalAirport.Lease term is for one-year (1) commencing on
April 1, 2003 and ending on March 31, 2004 and may be extended for one year (1)
ending on March 31, 2005.Monthly rent
shall be $312.00 and will be adjusted annually during the primary and extension
term of this lease according to changes in the Consumer Price Index; providing
for an effective date.

Motion to withdraw Ordinance
# 2003-O-142.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

X.RESOLUTIONS

17.2003-R-064 Accepting the donation of the “Surface
Only” of a 0.264 of an acre parcel of land, more or less, from Patrick
H. Alexander, as a Utility Easement, for the Colonias Water Service Lines Extension Project.Said parcel of land being situated in Rancho Peñitas West Subdivision, Lot 65 Unit IX, City of Laredo,
Webb County, Texas;
being generally described below, and more particularly described by metes and
bounds on attached Exhibits “A, & B.

Being
a 0.264 acre tract of land situated in Porcion 7,
City of Laredo, Webb
County, Texas,
said 0.264 acre tract being out of Rancho Peñitas
West Subdivision, Lot 65,
Unit IX, recorded in Volume 4, Page 32, Webb County
Map Records.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against: 0 Abstain:0

18.2003-R-065 Authorizing
the City Manager to enter into and execute an Interlocal
Government Agreement between the City of Laredo and the Laredo Independent
School District for the participation of the City of Laredo Police Department
School Resource Officer Program.The
Laredo Police Department will provide eight (8) officers that will be assigned
to various middle and high schools, and the Laredo Independent School District
will reimburse the City of Laredo up to three hundred forty nine thousand five
hundred eleven dollars ($349,511.00) for the 2003-2004 school year.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain: 0

XI.MOTIONS

19.Confirmation of
the Mayor’s Declaration of a Local State of Disaster to Severe Windstorm Damage
which occurred on June 2, 2003, in accordance with the City’s Code of
Ordinances Section 11.5-21.

Mayor Flores
announced that action was no longer necessary.

20. Ratification of submission of
grant application for the Homeland Security Overtime Program from the US
Department of Justice COPS Office.The
total amount of funds requested is $239,080.00 from the United States Department
of Justice and $79,694.00 from the City.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

21. Ratification of submission of a
grant application for 60 new police officer positions under the Universal
Hiring Program from the U.S. Department of Justice’s COPS Office.The total amount of funds requested is
$4,500,000.00 from the U.S. Department of Justice and $5,415,840.00 from the
City over a three (3) year period.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against: 0 Abstain:0

22. Consideration to award a
construction contract to the lowest bidder Ramos Industries, Inc., Pasadena, Texas, in the bid amount
$169,337.00 for the Hillside Road 18-inch sanitary sewer line.Funding is available in the Hillside Trunk
Line Project Account.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

23. Authorizing the City Manager to
execute professional services contract with Martinez Pharmacy not to exceed
$75,000.00 to provide pharmaceutical services to HIV/AIDS clients of the City
of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning July 1, 2003 through March 31, 2004.State grant funds are utilized for these
services.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

24. Authorizing the City Manager to
submit a grant application to the Association for Library Service to Children for
the NASA @ your library™ traveling exhibit.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

25. Consideration to authorize
United Water Laredo to subcontract the installation of a sludge transfer pump
station at a cost to the City of Laredoof$54,777.00.Funding is available in the Sewer Fund.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Agredano

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

26. Consideration to authorize
United Water Laredo to replace the existing sewer inspection vehicle with
televising capabilities, at a cost not to exceed $75,000.00.Funding is available in the Sewer Fund.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Agredano

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

27. Consideration to award a
construction contract to the lowest bidder Gilmar
Construction, Ltd., Laredo, Texas, in the bid amount of $132,570.00 for the
CDBG Sidewalks City-Wide Project No. 22 (30 Blocks).Funding is available in the Community
Development Block Grant 28th Action Year-School Sidewalks.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Agredano

For:8Against: 0 Abstain:0

28. Amending a contract with Sherfey Engineering, Co., Laredo, Texas for
$34,480.00 to include additional basic engineering and surveying services
required to change the alignment for the Chacon Extension wastewater trunk line
from the CasaBlancaGolfPark to
the east Airport property.The amendment brings the total contract
amount to $373,280.00.Funding is
available in the 1998-A Bond Issue Chacon Interceptor.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Agredano

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

29. Consideration to award contract
FY03-079 to 4 Alarm MES, McAllen, Texas, in
the amount of $67,706.00 for the purchase of rescue equipment for the Fire
Department. The equipment includes 32” hydraulic spreaders, cutters, pneumatic
impact tools, and Kevlar airbag systems.The City did receive a lower bid from Wilson Fire Apparatus and
Equipment, New Braunfels, Texas; however, this vendor
did not bid on the specific equipment requested by the Fire Department.The department has standardized the rescue
tool systems and only Hurst emergency products were requested.The Fire Department has extensive training on
this type of equipment.Funding is
available in the 2003 PPFCO Contractual Obligation Bond.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Agredano

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

30. Approving monthly adjustments to
the tax roll.The amount to be adjusted
for the month of May 2003, represents a decrease of
$9,497.62.These adjustments are
determined by Webb County Appraisal District and by court orders.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Agredano

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

31. Refund
of property tax to the following taxpayer and company.

A refund in the amount of $
2,545.66 payable to Citicapital Commercial Leasing
due to an overpayment by Citicapital.Account #801-01002-201.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Agredano

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

XII.STAFF REPORTS

32

a.Discussion with
possible action regarding progress on the Development Standard

Specification
Book.

Bill Skeen notified the
Mayor and Council that he has been working with City staff

to
create the Development Standard Specification Book.He said there are a couple

of
outstanding issues but assured Council that it should be complete by the end of

August.He acknowledged several directors and
thanked them for their input.He

specifically
thanked Cm.Belmares
for being the driving force behind completing

the
Specification Book.

b.Status
update regarding Capital Improvement Program process.

Jessica Hein, Assistant to
City Manager, explained the guidelines for Capital

Improvement Plans as stated
in the City Charter.She encouraged the
Council

Members to contact her
office to include projects to be considered for the Capital

Improvement
Plan.

Cm.E.Valdez stressed the importance of continuity while
considering the Capital

Improvement
Plan.

c.Discussion
with possible action to consider firefighter Ramiro Garza’s request for an

extension
of injury leave with pay in accordance with 143.073 (b) of the Texas

The City Council hereby reserves the right to go
into executive session at any time during this public meeting, if such is
requested by the City
Attorney or other legal
counsel for the City, pursuant to his or her duty under Section 551.071(2) of
the Government Code, to consult privately with his or her client on an item on
the agenda, or on a matter arising out of such item.

33. Request for Executive Session
pursuant to Texas Government CodeSection 551.072 in order to deliberate
on the value of, and the possible purchase of, real property near the Central
Business District, because deliberation in an open meeting would have a
detrimental effect on the position of the City Council in negotiations with third
persons; and return to open session for possible action and direction to staff.

Motion to go
into Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government CodeSection 551.072 in order to deliberate
on the value of, and the possible purchase of, real property near the Central
Business District, because deliberation in an open meeting would have a
detrimental effect on the position of the City Council in negotiations with
third persons; and return to open session for possible action and direction to
staff.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Agredano

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

After
Executive Session, Mayor Flores announced that no formal action was taken in
executive session.

Motion to authorize the City Manager to proceed with finalizing the
purchase of Lot 1, Block 276-A; Lot 4,
Block 276-A; and Lot 2, Block 162, Western Division for a total sum not to
exceed $507,000.00.

Moved:Cm. Ramirez

Second:Mayor Pro Tem Galo

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

XIV.RECESS AS THE LAREDO CITY COUNCIL AND
CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MUNICIPAL HOUSING CORPORATION

Motion to recess as the Laredo
City Council and convene as the Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation.

3. Ratifying the City Manager’s emergency approval of
a contract with GCI Contents Restoration & Remediation
company in the amount not to exceed $75,000.00 to perform demolition of water
soaked materials, drying of the interior and emergency roof repairs to Building
No. 132 located at 4719 Maher, Building No. 134 located at 4603 Maher, and
Building No. 1050 located at 4812 N. Bartlett, all located at the Laredo
International Airport.This emergency
work is necessary to mitigate further damage to these buildings until permanent
roof repairs are made. The cost of this contract will be reimbursed by the Texas
Municipal League Insurance Plan less the $10,000.00 deductible per occurrence.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

III.ADJOURNMENT

Motion
to adjourn.Time:8:38 p.m.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:
0

I, Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City
Secretary, do hereby certify that the above and
foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes contained in pages 01 to 24
what are true, complete, and correct proceedings of the City Council meeting
held on June 16, 2003.